Justicia Asbl denounces continued military and police presence at mining sites in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba

Justicia Asbl says about 5,000 soldiers and police officers remain deployed at several mining sites in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba, despite a withdrawal ban announced by the president in July. Following investigations at sites including Menda, Mupampala, Kyona 2, Kipense, Sokoroshi and Kakanda Nord, the NGO reported the continued presence of members of the Armed Forces of the DRC and the Congolese National Police. Its president, Timothée Mbuya, says some uniformed personnel may be involved in mining activities benefiting private interests, raising concerns about human rights violations and mining-sector governance. Justicia Asbl also warns that the practices could damage the international reputation of Congolese copper and cobalt.